Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has told Jose Mourinho that he should not return to the Spanish club, as speculation mounts over a possible second stint for the Portuguese coach.
Mourinho, 63, is said to be closing in on a return to Real Madrid, although club president Florentino Perez refused to be drawn on his possible comeback in a news conference on Tuesday evening. It is believed Perez is driving the move for Mourinho to return.
However, Casillas, who won five La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies across a 16-year spell with Real, as well as playing under Mourinho, said he did not agree with his return.
“I have no problem with Mourinho. He seems like a great professional to me. I don’t want him at Real Madrid. I think other coaches would be better equipped to coach at the club of my life. Personal opinion. Nothing more,” Casillas posted on X.
Mourinho is coming to the end of the first of a two-year deal with Benfica and previously served as Real head coach between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga in 2012 and the Copa del Rey the previous season.
Embattled president Perez opened Tuesday’s press conference by saying he had asked the board to initiate the electoral process for elections to the board of directors, in which the current board will participate.
When pressed on names of upcoming coaches or players to move to Real, Perez said he was not going to talk about coaches or players, but was there to return Real Madrid’s assets to its members.
He accused media outlets of making up rumours that he has cancer and clashed with several reporters directly.
Perez appointed Alvaro Arbeloa as interim head coach in January following the departure of Xabi Alonso after less than eight months in charge. Real lost to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals and have been eclipsed by bitter rivals Barcelona in the race for La Liga, with numerous issues among the playing squad.
